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Cow Parade Descends on Northern Ireland for the Summer

Cow Parade mania has officially descended on our small corner of the world, so watch out for beautiful bovines across Northern Ireland this summer - including our very own, travelling ni 2012 herd.

Cow Parade is the largest and most successful public art event in the world and since 1999, has been staged in 75 cities across the world. An estimated 100 million people have seen at least one exhibit and, through their sale at autions afterwards, the cows have raised over £25 million for charities worldwide. More than 5,000 artists, professional and amateur, young and old, have taken part.

This summer Northern Ireland will make Cow Parade history. Unlike other events that take place in a single city, our's will take place simultaneously throughout the region, turning Northern Ireland into a virtual cow museum.

Where are the Cows? (updated 15 August)

The Belfast City Council Cow-Moonity cows were on display in front of City Hall for a couple of weeks. They are currently in cow hospital for some TLC, before going back out on location from 16th August onwards. More info will be available shortly.

There are currently also five 'mini moos' on display in the MAC, Belfast's gleaming new arts venue in the city's Cathedral Quarter. These were designed by local schoolchildren as part of a competition run by Belfast Education and Library Board, and will be there to visit until the end of August.

The Derry~Londonderry (or Dairy~Londondairy) Cow-Moonity herd is currently located in the city's Ebrington Square, where it will remain until the end of August. The cows will then go out on display across the city to form the Dairy-Londondairy Cow Trail. Again, more info will be available closer to the time.

NI 2012 Travelling Herd

Our own ni 2012 herd will be visiting towns and cities across Northern Ireland in search of the greenest pastures and tastiest grass, spending up to a week in each location. Here's where you'll find them in the coming weeks:

Week commencing 6 August – the cows were in the Cow Hospital having a rest!

From 14 August – Downpatrick (Saint Patrick Centre)

Week commencing 20 August – Enniskillen (Castle Museums)

Week commencing 27 August – Slieve Gullion Adventure Park, Co. Armagh

The cows will then reside in a more permanent location in Belfast City centre.

Over on www.ni2012.com, we gave you the chance to name our individual cows - so come along and say hello to the udderly beautiful Mosey Moo, the mootastic Moodolph, the moover and shaker of the gang, Cows-way Coast and baby moo, Mootiful (or wee Mooty as we like to call her).